Name: Garlic Steak Kabobs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Sirloin Steak; 1 Green Bell Pepper; 1 Red Onion; 8 oz Mushrooms (white or button); 2 tsp Olive Oil; Salt and Pepper to taste; 1/4 cup Butter; 1 tsp Minced Garlic; 1 tbsp Chopped Parsley

These Garlic Steak Kabobs are a backyard grilling masterpiece that combines juicy sirloin steak, colorful vegetables, and a mouthwatering garlic butter finish. Ready in just over 30 minutes, these kabobs deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The perfect combination of tender meat and charred vegetables makes this dish ideal for summer cookouts, casual family dinners, or when you simply crave something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Satisfying: These kabobs come together in just 35 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something impressive.
Customizable: The basic formula works with whatever vegetables you have on hand, so you can adapt based on preferences or what’s in your fridge.
Perfect Pairing of Flavors: The combination of charred steak, caramelized vegetables, and that finishing garlic butter creates layers of flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Great for Entertaining: These kabobs look stunning on a platter and allow guests to grab individual skewers, making them ideal for gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sirloin Steak: The star of the show, providing rich, beefy flavor and excellent tenderness when cooked properly. Choose well-marbled pieces for the juiciest results.
Green Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and beautiful color contrast. The slight bitterness balances the richness of the steak.
Red Onion: Provides a sharp, aromatic flavor that mellows and sweetens beautifully when grilled. The purple hue adds visual appeal.
Mushrooms: These absorb the steak juices and garlic butter, becoming little flavor bombs. They add a meaty texture that complements the steak.
Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking while adding subtle flavor and promoting beautiful caramelization on the grill.
Salt and Pepper: The fundamentals of good seasoning – don’t skimp here! Season generously for the best flavor.
Butter: Creates the base for the garlic sauce, adding richness and a silky finish to the kabobs.
Minced Garlic: Infuses the butter with intense aromatic flavor that takes these kabobs to the next level.
Chopped Parsley: Adds fresh, herbaceous notes and a pop of color to finish the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Alternatives

Try these kabobs with chicken thighs, jumbo shrimp, or even firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian option. Each protein brings its own character to the dish while still working beautifully with the garlic butter finish.

Vegetable Swaps

Feel free to substitute or add yellow squash, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or colorful bell peppers. For a sweeter option, pineapple chunks provide a delicious contrast to the savory steak.

Flavor Profiles

Mediterranean: Add lemon zest to the garlic butter and finish with crumbled feta cheese
Asian-Inspired: Marinate the steak in soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of honey before grilling
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or brush with a chipotle butter instead

How to Make Garlic Steak Kabobs

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Cut sirloin steak into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring even cooking. Remove seeds from bell pepper and cut into 1-inch pieces. Slice red onion into similar-sized chunks. Clean mushrooms and leave whole if small or halve if larger.

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.

Step 2: Assemble the Kabobs

Thread meat and vegetables onto skewers, alternating for both visual appeal and even cooking. Create a pattern that works for you – I typically do steak, pepper, onion, mushroom, and repeat.

Step 3: Season and Prepare for Grilling

Brush the assembled kabobs generously with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote browning. Season all sides with salt and pepper – don’t be shy with the seasoning!

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Place kabobs on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes total, turning every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks on all sides.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter

While the kabobs are grilling, melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, heating for 1 minute, stirring, and repeating until completely melted. Add minced garlic to the warm butter and set aside, allowing the flavors to infuse.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the kabobs reach your desired doneness, remove from the grill and place on a serving platter. Brush generously with the prepared garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Sizing: Cut all ingredients to similar sizes (approximately 1 inch) to ensure everything cooks at the same rate.
Don’t Overcrowd: Leave small gaps between ingredients on the skewers to ensure heat circulates properly for even cooking.
Meat Temperature: For medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F. The temperature will rise slightly as the meat rests.
Double the Garlic Butter: Make extra garlic butter to serve on the side for dipping or drizzling. Trust me, everyone will want more!
Separate Skewers Option: If cooking for those with different preferences, consider making separate skewers for meat and vegetables to accommodate different cooking times.

How to Serve

These Garlic Steak Kabobs shine as the centerpiece of a meal but are complemented beautifully by thoughtfully selected side dishes that enhance the overall dining experience.

Perfect Side Pairings

Serve these kabobs over a bed of fluffy rice pilaf or couscous, which will soak up all the delicious garlic butter drippings. A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, grilled flavors. For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled corn on the cob or a crusty loaf of bread for sopping up the garlic butter.

Sauce Accompaniments

While the garlic butter is divine on its own, offering additional sauce options like chimichurri, tzatziki, or a creamy horseradish sauce allows guests to customize their flavor experience. These sauces can be prepared ahead and served in small bowls alongside the kabobs.

Presentation Ideas

For an impressive display, serve kabobs standing upright in a specialized kabob stand or nestled in a bed of additional fresh herbs. Alternatively, slide the ingredients off the skewers onto plates for easier eating. Garnish with lemon wedges and additional fresh parsley for a professional touch that enhances both appearance and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Prep Ahead Tips

You can assemble these kabobs up to 24 hours in advance. Thread ingredients onto skewers, place in an airtight container, and refrigerate until ready to grill. The garlic butter can also be prepared ahead and refrigerated – simply reheat gently before using. This advance preparation makes these kabobs perfect for entertaining.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often develop nicely overnight, making for excellent next-day eating. For best results, store the meat and vegetables still on the skewers to maintain their shape and preserve their arrangement.

Reheating Methods

For the best texture, reheat kabobs in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can remove ingredients from skewers and quickly reheat in a skillet with a touch of olive oil. Microwaving is convenient but may result in slightly tougher meat – if using this method, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals.

Repurposing Leftovers

Transform leftover kabob ingredients into delicious new meals by removing from skewers and using in wraps, salads, grain bowls, or omelets. The grilled meat and vegetables take on a new life in these applications while maintaining their wonderful flavor profile.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of beef for kabobs?
Sirloin steak is ideal for kabobs because it offers a perfect balance of tenderness and flavor without breaking the bank. Tenderloin is another excellent option if you prefer ultra-tender meat, though it’s more expensive. For a more economical choice, chuck steak can work well if cut against the grain and marinated briefly to tenderize.

How do I prevent my wooden skewers from burning?
Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading on ingredients. For extra protection, wrap the exposed ends with aluminum foil before grilling. Better yet, invest in reusable metal skewers if you make kabobs frequently – they conduct heat well and eliminate the soaking step entirely.

Can I make these kabobs in the oven?
Absolutely! Arrange the kabobs on a baking sheet lined with foil and broil 4-5 inches from the heat source. Broil for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating until all sides are browned and the steak reaches your desired doneness. You won’t get the same smoky flavor as grilling, but the results are still delicious.

How do I ensure my vegetables and meat cook evenly?
The key is uniform sizing of all ingredients. If you’re concerned about different cooking times, you can par-cook denser vegetables like onions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes before assembly. Another approach is creating separate skewers for meat and vegetables, allowing you to remove each when perfectly cooked.

Garlic Steak Kabobs combine simplicity with incredible flavor, making them a reliable crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The marriage of juicy steak, charred vegetables, and that irresistible garlic butter creates a memorable meal that feels special without requiring advanced cooking skills. Give this recipe a try next time you fire up the grill – I’m confident it will become a regular in your dinner rotation!